President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has shared the precautionary plan with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) which detailed measures to be taken in regards to preventing the spread of COVID-19, to prioritise safeguarding civil servants and minimising the expenditure of the government.
The president shared the plans with CSC and instructed to take careful measures to ensure public safety. Some of the recommendations for action includes instructing employees with symptoms of respiratory infection or COVID-19 to remain at home and to act according to the guidance of medical practitioners, suspend all work functions, events, meetings, unless absolutely required and via modern technology such as teleconferencing in such a situation, and to discourage and avoid using fingerprints for verification on getting services from government offices.
Furthermore, President Solih asked CSC to prepare and implement the plan by March 16 to maintain essential services and operations, using minimal onsite manpower and also recommended the commission to prepare a detailed operational plan that will come into action for a suspected COVID-19 case at the workplace.
The president detailed the changes that will come into place if the current health emergency level was to be raised to Orange or Red. Employers must allow 30 days leave for employees above the age of 55, pregnant employees and any employees with a history of heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or high blood pressure if Orange Alert is issued. It is also instructed to only deploy the minimum number of staff to deliver essential services and advise all able staff to work from home to ensure the delivery of these crucial services If Red Alert is issued.
Furthermore, the president firmly noted salary and allowances will remain unchanged regardless of any escalation of circumstances due to COVID-19. He also recommended CSC to inform all civil servants to limit travel and outdoor activities during working hours and to heed the advice of health service professionals.